The group of 93 walked a total of 12 miles over the hilltops, led by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group. All proceeds went to the children’s hospice in the Vale of Glamorgan.

On the day, members of Maerdy Youth Club and Rhondda Fach Girls’ Netball Team joined students from Y Pant, Hawthorn, Cardinal Newman and Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari comprehensive schools, as well as Gold and Silver Open Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants and Services for Young People youth inspectors.

Accompanying them were Rhondda Cynon Taf detached youth work team members, school teachers and volunteers.

RCT mayor Coun Simon Lloyd gave his support and inspiration to the group before they started on the top of the ridge above Pentre.

He said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is based on volunteering and helping others. It is marvellous to see so many young people, with their youth workers and teachers, contributing to such a worthwhile local charity in this way.

“They are an inspiration to others by giving up their time and making such an effort to raise money.”

Although the going got tough at times for the team, the walkers finally reached their destination in Porth in record time.

Coun Eudine Hanagan, RCT Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Services For Young People is an exemplar in its field and one that is envied and admired throughout the country. Events such as this underline the important role it has to play in the community.

“The sponsored walk was obviously enjoyed by everyone involved. By using their navigation skills, it also provided an ideal opportunity for the young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, ahead of an expedition they are undertaking later in the year.

“I’m very grateful to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteers and team who helped support and guide the group along the route.”

Services For Young People’s Wicid Editorial Team were also there to interview the participants, which will be available to view on www.wicid.tv

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in RCT, contact Kerry Rees on 0778 652 3915 or 01685 889213, or go to www.DofE.org